LIVING ON YOUR OWN

ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF STAYING AT HOME AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF MOVING OUT ON YOUR OWN AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

PLANNING YOUR MOVE  Where will you live  What can you afford Recommend no more than 25% of your monthly gross income  Apartment, house, mobile home  What furniture will you need  Roommate

 Initial expenses Security deposit on apartments  Guarantee against damages 1-2 months rent Utility hook ups Renter’s insurance Furniture or other household goods  Decide what you can afford before moving out of home

 You have taken a job that pays $1900 (gross pay) a month. You are thinking about getting an apartment that would cost $450 to rent.  Can you afford this apartment?  What about one that is $500?

ROOMMATE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF  Will a roommate prevent me from doing the things I want to do  How will I get along with this person  Will this person be willing to share expenses  Will this person share the household chores  What happens if we do not get along or that other person moves out

ROOMMATES--ADVANTAGES  Cheaper to share  Companionship  Security of not living alone

APARTMENT CHECKLIST

RENTAL TERMS  Lease A rental agreement or a contact between a landlord and a renter States the responsibilities of both parties Usually for one year, but might be negotiated Some require a lease, some do not

RENTAL TERMS  Rent and due date Is the place worth the amount When is the rent due What happens if you are late on rent  Security Deposit Is there an inventory of the apartment and the condition of items How soon do you get your money back if nothing is damaged

RENTAL TERMS  Availability  Utility charges Included with the rent or not Average costs on utilities  Painting & repairs Will they take some off the rent if you do the work What can you do to the apartment  Pets

LEASE QUESTIONS  Can the landlord raise the rent during the period of the lease  Is there a late fee if the rent is late  How much notice must be given before moving  Under what conditions may the owner enter during the tenant’s absence

LEASE QUESTIONS  May the apartment be sublet  Who maintains the exterior of the building— especially a house  Under what conditions can the landlord evict the tenant  Read through the lease before signing

TENANT’S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  Expect the landlord to perform maintenance and repairs in a reasonable amount of time  You are expected to take care of the apartment or pay for the damages  You are responsible to pay the rent on time and follow the lease

LANDLORD’S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES  May make changes to the apartment that were not mentioned in the lease Assigning parking spaces  Keep apartment in good condition

How could not having a lease be to your disadvantage